Elizabeth McClancy
dEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES

McClancy orginally intented to paint a series of "women of integrity."  Not surprisingly,
she turned first to Madeleine Albright, former US Ambassador to the United Nations
and Secretary of State, and bold advocate for the principles of democracy.

The Albright portrait assumed even greater vibrancy in the context of the political
extremism and compromise of basic rights and freedoms of the last six years.
The theme was subsequently broadened to portray leaders who are positioned to
defend the ideals that created and sustain the American dream.

Democratic Principles is conceived as an exhibition of portraits that
represent progressive leaders, not in traditional "triumphal" poses, but in ways that more
intimately examine - through color, light and composition - the vibrancy, spirit and toll of
defending principle.  In her vision, the artist hopes that the assembled paintings might
provide opportunity for the subjects to see themselves as leaders united in a moral
and political cause of immense proportions.

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